Minneapolis Mourns after Shooter Kills 2 Children at Catholic School/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 injured during Mass. The 23-year-old shooter, a former student, later died by suicide. The attack has reignited national calls for stronger gun control laws.
Minneapolis School Shooting Quick Looks
- Two children were killed and 17 others injured at Annunciation Catholic School during Mass.
- Shooter identified as Robin Westman, a 2017 graduate of the school.
- The motive is under investigation, including a manifesto posted online.
- Community members and neighbors rushed to assist the wounded.
- Minneapolis officials and families are calling for gun reform.
- This marks the 44th school shooting in the U.S. in 2025.
- Multiple vigils, prayer services, and memorials held citywide.
- Investigation includes federal review as potential hate crime.
Deep Look: Minneapolis Grieves After Deadly School Shooting
Minneapolis is grappling with deep sorrow and renewed outrage after a horrific act of gun violence at a Catholic school left two children dead and 17 others wounded. On Wednesday, August 27, students at Annunciation Catholic School were attending Mass when a 23-year-old former student opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows. The attack has not only traumatized survivors but also reignited a nationwide debate on gun laws and school safety.
The deceased shooter, Robin Westman, graduated from the school in 2017. Authorities confirmed that Westman had no criminal record and legally purchased the weapons used in the attack—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Investigators recovered a manifesto uploaded to YouTube shortly before the shooting, which is being reviewed as a potential hate crime and domestic terrorism by the FBI. Westman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound behind the church.
The attack occurred during the first week of school, a time that was meant to be celebratory. Tragically, that peace was shattered when Westman reportedly placed wooden blocks in door handles before firing through the windows. Children and teachers scrambled for cover. Fifth grader Weston Halsne recounted how his friend shielded him from gunfire before being shot in the back.
Most of the victims were children between the ages of 8 and 13, with three elderly parishioners also wounded. All survivors are expected to recover physically, but emotional wounds are raw and deep. Vincent Francoual, a father of one of the students, described his daughter as inconsolable. “She thought she was going to die,” he said through tears. “She doesn’t want to go back to school or the church.”
Community members immediately sprang into action. Neighbor Pat Scallen ran toward the sound of gunfire and helped three wounded children. One of the girls he assisted underwent successful surgery, though another’s condition remains unclear. Officers and teachers also showed heroism—some physically shielded students with their bodies. A police officer reportedly consoled and prayed with a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the stomach before getting him into an ambulance.
Principal Matthew DeBoer and Pastor Dennis Zehren sent a heartfelt message to the community, mourning the loss of two “beloved students.” The school remains closed with no timeline for reopening. Officials are working with mental health agencies and law enforcement to ensure student safety and emotional well-being before returning to normal operations.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been vocal in his call for immediate action against gun violence. Speaking at a vigil held at Lynnhurst Park, he said, “While thoughts and prayers are great, they are not adequate. Let us be a city united in action.” His statement echoed a growing demand from Democratic lawmakers and gun safety advocates for meaningful reform.
The mass shooting marks the 44th school-related gun incident in the United States in 2025—a staggering number that underscores the recurring nature of such tragedies. In Minnesota alone, this is the fourth deadly shooting in the past 24 hours, prompting urgent calls for change.
Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar both expressed grief and determination. Klobuchar shared that the daughter of a former staff member watched friends get shot.
“These children were literally praying when the bullets came,” she said.
On Thursday, prayer services and news conferences took place across the Twin Cities. Vigils drew hundreds of mourners, some silently holding candles, others speaking out about the need for reform. Churches, gymnasiums, and parks turned into spaces of unity, grief, and healing.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement and federal agencies are combing through evidence. The community, meanwhile, holds on to hope, unity, and a shared desire to make sure such a tragedy never happens again.
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